Backyard whimsy

Myung J. Chun / LAT

Antiques dealer Richard Shapiro based his Greco-Roman portico on the principles of an Italian architect he admired, Andrea Palladio. "Folly is defined as a nonsensical creation or activity," he says. "I not only qualify, I take that as a compliment."

Antiques dealer Richard Shapiro based his Greco-Roman portico on the principles of an Italian architect he admired, Andrea Palladio. "Folly is defined as a nonsensical creation or activity," he says. "I not only qualify, I take that as a compliment." (Myung J. Chun / LAT)

Antiques dealer Richard Shapiro based his Greco-Roman portico on the principles of an Italian architect he admired, Andrea Palladio. "Folly is defined as a nonsensical creation or activity," he says. "I not only qualify, I take that as a compliment."